Talking Retail with Learning Express Toys & Gifts’ CEO Lauren Derse on the ‘Power Kid Podcast’

Paul Harrington Franchising, Owner Spotlight, Retail, Toy Industry

THE TOY BOOK – In this week’s episode of the “Power Kid Podcast,” host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes Lauren Derse, CEO of Learning Express Toys & Gifts to the show. Derse leads the largest franchised toy store chain in the U.S. and has vast experience with store ownership and oversight. Learning Express is known for its expert …

Port Washington Learning Express brings adventure, fun back to shopping

Paul Harrington Franchise News, Owner Spotlight

The Island 360 – The thrill of choice, the exhilaration of adventure and the opportunity to explore — these are some ideas that inspired Michelle Pascucci, a Port Washington, NY, mother, to open her community’s newest toy store. Learning Express, at 61 Shore Road, opened in late October. Pascucci is also the executive director of Parsons Preschool in Queens. She …

Shreveport, LA Storeowner Discusses Shopping Local in Televised Interview

Mike Derse Local Franchise News Article, Owner Spotlight

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana. Sarah Toups, owner of Learning Express of Shreveport, LA, was recently interviewed on KTBS Channel 3. She discussed how difficult shutdowns were for business in 2020 and how thankful she is that the community has come out to support local businesses in 2021. “Everyone has really come out in full support and gave me the courage to keep …

Local shops see uptick in sales on Cyber Monday

Mike Derse Local Franchise News Article, Owner Spotlight

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee. Joanna Holland, owner of two Learning Express franchises in the Chattanooga area, was recently interviewed by local NBC affiliate, WRCB, about early sales results for the 2021 holiday season. “For the whole year we’ve been having our best year in history, actually, with a couple of different toy crazes with fidgets and Squishmallows that have been going on.” …

Shreveport, LA Store Owner Interviewed on Local TV About Holiday Season Preparations

Mike Derse Local Franchise News Article, Owner Spotlight

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana. Loving Living Local, a show on Ark-La-Tex, a southern state television network, recently interviewed Shreveport, LA store owner and Learning Express franchisee, Sarah Toups, about the upcoming holiday season. “We would love to keep people local this Christmas,” Toups said. To see the entire video segment, click the link below. https://www.arklatexhomepage.com/lovinglivinglocalnbc6/club-365-learning-express-toys-of-shreveport/

Collegeville Store Owner Previews Holiday Hot Toy List

Mike Derse Local Franchise News Article, Owner Spotlight

COLLEGEVILLE, Pennsylvania. Caroline Brant, owner of two Learning Express locations, recently discussed with local Fox affiliate Fox29 the upcoming holiday season and how to beat the holiday shipping delays by shopping local at Learning Express. “Squishmallows are hot, don’t wait, they’re very popular!” explained Caroline. When referring to Pokemon Cards, which are in short supply, she said, “If you see …

Sylvania, OH Franchise Opens This Weekend

Mike Derse Franchise News, Franchising, Owner Spotlight

SYLVANIA, Ohio. A beloved local toy store returns to Sylvania, Ohio this October with the grand re-opening of Learning Express Toys and Gifts at 5577 Monroe Street. Lifelong Ohio residents, new owners Rene and Rich Rusgo are excited to bring their passion for community to a small business that helps create memories for kids of all ages. The grand re-opening …